City of Temple Terrace - Community Services - Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a permit?
Applications for permits can be submitted at the City Building Department located at 11250 N. 56th Street ( 2nd Floor). Our friendly staff will assist you in determining the type permits you will need for your project. Homeowners and contractors alike are encouraged to ask questions about our permitting, inspection and plan review processes. All Department staff is able to provide guidance through the process and assist in informing what additional information may be required to get a permit. Submittal requirements vary with the type work to be done, the location of the project and whether it is commercial or residential in nature.

What are some common types of permits?
We try to separate commercial and residential construction permits because of varying requirements associated with commercial properties and their use. Some common types of permits are:

When is a permit required to do work?
Anyone who desires to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure or desires to do the same to electrical, mechanical, plumbing or gas systems, the installation which is regulated by technical codes, shall first make application to the Building Department and obtain a permit.

Roof, reroof or repair and existing roof involving less than 501 square feet.
Apply stucco or siding involving less than 501 square feet.
Install fascia and soffit involving less than 101 linear feet.
Construct or move an accessory building of less than 151 square feet
Construct non-structural concrete slabs or install pavers involving less than 501 square feet. All work involved in city right of way however, shall require a plan review and permit.
Minor non-structural work where the total for labor and material is less than $1,000, provided the work is not part of a larger overall operation segmented to evade normal permitting requirements.
Any portable heating, cooling or ventilating appliance.

Can I check on the status of permits and inspections online?
Currently, we do not have the capability placing this information on-line. For permit status or inspection results please call the permit desk at (813) 506-6473. The staff can assist you with obtaining this information.

What building codes does the City of Temple Terrace use?
By state law we are mandated to use the 2004 Florida Building Code (building, residential, gas, plumbing, mechanical and existing building). The 2005 National Electrical Code (N.E.C.) is adopted for electrical applications by reference. The Florida Fire Prevention Code has been harmonized with the Building code to establish unified and consistent standards.

Can homeowners pull building permits?
Yes, with certain criteria and restrictions being met. Homeowners are in essence acting as their own contractor and must directly supervise all work on the project. They are also responsible for the coverage of taxes and insurance on individuals working on their property. The address of the property must be the primary residence of the owner and it can not be for sale or lease. You are responsible for hiring licensed contractors to do your construction work, except when you are a contractor yourself or you are the property owner doing the work yourself. We do not encourage the issuance of homeowner permits for electrical, mechanical or plumbing systems for safety reasons. We prefer that homeowners hire licensed contractors for this type work. You must hire licensed contractors.

Can a contractor do any type work that I need done?
A contractor can only perform work listed under the scope of his license.
(e.g. a plumbing contractor cannot do electrical work; a mechanical contractor can not construct a building).

With permits, who is responsible for scheduling inspections, correcting violations and paying re-inspection fees?
The applicant of each individual permit is the responsible party For instance, we discourage owners calling for inspections when a contractor has secured the permit to avoid confusion about the timing of inspections.

What incidental paperwork must I submit to obtain a building permit?
All submittals vary according to the type permit you desire. In just about every case, though, a current survey will be requested of applicant whether they are a contractor or a homeowner. In the case of homeowner applicants, proof of ownership will most likely be requested also. Each permit application contains information that outlines what submittals are required for permitting and the office staff can assist with this when applications are made.

What construction documents are required to be submitted for building permits? Do they require the stamp and approval of an architect or engineer?
Construction drawings depicting the proposed work are always required. Florida Building Code requires that they be prepared by design professionals where required by statute. The building code does offer the building official some leverage to decide if engineered stamps are required. A general rule of thumb in the department is that if the work involves a foundation, wall or roof system then we will probably ask that drawings be stamped. Plans for minor mechanical work is not generally required.

How does the inspection process work?
We have a phone line that is dedicated to scheduling inspections. If a permit holder calls for an inspection before 5:00 p.m. the inspection will be performed the following day. For those called in after 5:00 p.m. the inspection will be placed on the second business day’s schedule. Permits must be posted and access to the work is required at this time for the inspectors to conduct the inspection. Specific times are typically difficult to accomplish, however, if this is absolutely necessary the permit holder is requested to contact our office at (813) 506-6473. the morning of the scheduled inspection and our inspectors will make ever effort to accommodate the requested time.

Do I need a permit to install a security system?
Security systems generally require less than 50V to operate. For this reason, the National Electrical Code does not require the system to be guarded, thus not triggering the need for a permit and inspection.

At what stage of construction can I get an electric meter released for my project?
If a new electric meter is needed to be installed on a project, the release of this meter is conducted when a final inspection is approved. Earlier releases are possible in some cases with the permission of the building official.

What constitutes a final inspection?
Final inspections are given when all the components of a permit are in place. Partial final inspections are not given.

When do I have to file a Notice of Commencement?
A Notice of Commencement is required by Florida Statute to be filed on any construction project with a cost in excess of $2,500.00. It is to be filed with Hillsborough County clerk of the court and a copy of the recording provided to the building department before the first inspection is performed. If an applicant provides a completed Notice at time of plan submittal, the building department will file it for you as part of the plan review process. The fee for this filing is then included in the plan review costs for your project.

Is a Certificate of Occupancy required for any construction project?
No, Certificates of Occupancy (C.O.) is only issued when:

Upon finalizing the inspection process and you desire some formal certificate, a Certificate of Completeness can be issued upon request.

I have a project that is almost complete. Can I get a Certificate of Occupancy?
C.O.’s are not issued unless all permits on the project are finaled and closed out. Under certain circumstances, properties may qualify for a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy, if life safety issues are specifically addressed and conditions warrant. Certificates are often requested for loan closing purposes. Until all required inspections are approved a C.O. cannot be issued.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS